At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first legal counsel, advising on product launches and international expansion.
- Company: Fast-scaling international consumer platform with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity to build the legal function and influence business strategy.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact in a global marketplace.
- Qualifications: 5-10 PQE with experience in high-growth consumer-facing businesses.
- Other info: Perfect for lawyers seeking autonomy and a high-impact role.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
SSQ is partnering with a fast-scaling, international consumer platform to hire its first dedicated Legal Counsel. This is a rare opportunity to step into a true "first lawyer" role at a global marketplace business operating across the UK, US and EU, and to build and own the legal function from the ground up.
You'll work directly with the executive team, advising on everything from product launches and customer journeys through to regulatory strategy, disputes and international expansion.
The role:
- Sole in-house lawyer, acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team
- Supporting product, marketing, and commercial teams on new features and campaigns
- Owning customer terms, policies and global legal frameworks
- Managing disputes and working closely with external counsel internationally
- Navigating evolving regulation and compliance across multiple jurisdictions
- Building scalable legal processes to support continued growth
What we're looking for:
- 5-10 PQE (flexible) from a leading law firm and/or in-house team
- Experience in a consumer-facing, high-growth or digital business (e.g. marketplace, e-commerce, retail, travel)
- Strong commercial judgment and the confidence to operate autonomously
- Someone excited by breadth, ownership and working in a scaling environment
This role would suit a lawyer looking to move out of a larger team into a high-impact, standalone position with genuine influence on business strategy.
Locations
Sole Legal Counsel - Hospitality Start-Up in Ipswich, Suffolk employer: SSQ
Contact Detail:
SSQ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sole Legal Counsel - Hospitality Start-Up in Ipswich, Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal and hospitality sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past work, especially any projects that highlight your experience in consumer-facing businesses. This will help you stand out when chatting with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one we’re partnering with. Express your interest and how you can add value as their first dedicated Legal Counsel.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow news related to hospitality, e-commerce, and legal regulations. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for the role and the sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Sole Legal Counsel - Hospitality Start-Up in Ipswich, Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Sole Legal Counsel. Highlight your experience in consumer-facing businesses and any relevant legal frameworks you've navigated.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this opportunity and how your background makes you the perfect fit for building the legal function from the ground up.
Showcase Your Autonomy: Since this role requires someone who can operate independently, be sure to include examples of when you've taken ownership of projects or made significant decisions in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into the process quickly. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSQ
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the legal aspects relevant to a consumer platform, especially in areas like product launches and regulatory compliance. Brush up on recent cases or changes in law that could impact the business, as this will show your proactive approach.
✨Showcase Your Autonomy
Since this role is all about ownership, be ready to discuss times when you've successfully operated independently. Share specific examples where your commercial judgment made a significant impact, especially in high-growth environments.
✨Understand the Business
Dive deep into the company’s mission, values, and market position. Familiarise yourself with their products and customer journeys. This knowledge will help you tailor your advice to align with their strategic goals during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal challenges, such as managing disputes or navigating international regulations. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline your thought process to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.